The area around Pony, Montana features diverse camping options at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet in the Tobacco Root Mountains. Camping season typically runs May through October with summer high temperatures averaging 75-85°F and overnight lows that can drop into the 30s even in July. Night skies here offer exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution in this sparsely populated region.
What to do
Soak in hot springs: Norris Hot Springs offers a unique camping experience where visitors can enjoy natural hot springs just steps from their campsite. "The hot springs are really great with a bar and food on offer fresh from their garden. Bathrooms are nice private rooms with showers and modern," writes Alyssa L. Many campers appreciate the convenience of staying so close to the springs.
Explore limestone caverns: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is located about 30 minutes from Pony and features guided tours through limestone caverns. "Did you know you can print out a packet for your little ones to become Cub Rangers at this State Park? There are great amenities for both camping and RV'S with a child's playground located on the camp," notes Sierra V. Tours typically last 2 hours and involve moderate hiking.
Fish mountain lakes: For fishing enthusiasts, Meadow Lake Campground provides direct access to Ennis Lake. "Fishing is pretty good, I caught a few brown trout. Very open not much seclusion available. Has a vault toilet, picnic tables and fire rings," reports David H. The area is known for trout fishing, with best results typically in early morning or evening hours.
What campers like
Secluded riverside sites: Potosi Campground offers peaceful creek-side camping with natural surroundings. "The campsite we chose required driving over a small creek, but no worries to those of you who don't drive a Jeep or a truck- we saw people drive over in small cars with campers too," shares Robin P. Most sites are nestled among trees providing natural shade and cooling.
Historical significance: Missouri Headwaters State Park allows campers to experience the same location where Lewis and Clark made camp. "Experience Camping near where Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped at the headwaters of the Missouri river in 1805," explains Dexter I. The park features interpretive displays about the expedition and offers short hiking trails to viewpoints overlooking the river confluence.
Mountain views: Campers frequently mention the mountain vistas available from various camping areas around Pony. "We pulled in around 5pm or so and there was only one spot available next to the restroom. Lucky one other spot was large and we ended up sharing it with some other campers," notes Devin B. about Meadow Lake Campground. The views of the Madison Range across the water are particularly popular among photographers.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many camping areas require traveling on unpaved roads. At Revenue Flats, one reviewer noted, "Wow what an awesome spot with beautiful views. As other have noted, it's a rocky gravel road headed in. We had our van in 2-wheel the whole time and had no issue." Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended but not always necessary depending on recent weather.
Limited services: Most campgrounds near Pony have minimal amenities. "They have two women's showers and two men's showers. I will say to double check your hook ups because I did not realize that I booked partial hookups," advises Amber W. about Cardwell Store RV Park. Campers should bring sufficient supplies as the nearest grocery stores are 15-30 miles away.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly near water. "Really nice campground with sites being spread apart and not too close to each other. When the sun sets in June and July the mosquitos will come out. They are quite nasty but an hour after sunset they are gone," reports Andreas W. Bringing adequate insect repellent is strongly recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers educational programming especially for children. "Amazing family campsite with amenities, gift shop and stores. For small children it's quite a hike for them, they do get fatigued on the way, there are pit stops along the hill with shade for rest," shares Carla S. The Junior Ranger programs typically take 1-2 hours to complete.
Protected swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer water access suitable for families. "This is a small KOA. Super friendly staff. Sites are shady unless you have a big rig - that area does not have shade. Decent dog park. Decent playground," notes Maggie C. about Three Forks KOA Journey.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Deer visited camp at night!" reports Mark F. about Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Bringing binoculars is recommended for wildlife watching from a safe distance.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling. "We camped here with a group of families and the playground was nice for the kids. There aren't many trees and the land is flat but we were able to really keep a decent eye of the kids running around because of it," notes Heather about Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
Limited hookup options: Full hookups are scarce in the immediate Pony area. "Our pull-through site was spacious, level, and equipped with reliable full hookups (30/50 amp), shady trees, fire pit, picnic table, and Wi-Fi," says Kathryn R. about Three Forks KOA Journey.
Narrow access roads: Many forest service roads leading to dispersed camping areas have tight turns. "The driveway is gravel hill going down and very bumpy. Spots for the RV are full hook up & very close but well divided with bushes and lattice for privacy," explains Elise A. about Norris Hot Springs.
